The Secure Family Podcast

Did We Accidentally Build a Surveillance Network? Andy Murphy discusses automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, explaining how they work, the positive change they bring and the negatives of constant surveillance.   He also covers expanding capabilities such as audio/distress detection, cybersecurity concerns about publicly accessible cameras, and emerging device-signal tracking like Leonard...

Inside AI-Powered Imposter Scams with Patrick Coughlin   Host Andy Murphy interviews cybersecurity veteran Patrick Coughlin, CEO of Savvy Security and creator of the free ScamWise tool, about the modern scam economy and how AI is accelerating fraud. Patrick recounts how his mother was targeted by a spoofed-phone impersonation/kidnapping scam using a voice that sounded like his sister and a demand...

Be ready for the next big emergency and it won't be a disaster.   Andy of The Secure Family Podcast shares practical ways he prepares his family for likely disasters using lessons from Hurricane Helene to show how fragile modern infrastructure can be. He emphasizes planning ahead to reduce chaos, starting with a family communication plan and adding backup communications beyond smartphones. Protect...

AI: Navigating Trust, Data Risks, and the Future with Rick Alonzo   Andy Murphy hosts a high-level conversation with Rick Alonzo (Rickonomics), a former US Army intelligence analyst and strategic business intelligence founder, about how AI is reshaping society, business, and parenting.    They discuss the post-honeymoon reality of AI adoption, trust and terms-of-service risks, and how data collect...

Protect Yourself from the Next Data Breach   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy explains why data breaches are a serious, ongoing reality. These are not to be ignored as they can lead to all sorts of issues including identity theft for you, your children and your aging parents. Be ready for the next natural disaster. Download The Secure Dad Family Disaster Preparedness Guide for fr...

Eyes Wide Open: Staying Safe in "Safe" Places with David Lashley   Andy Murphy hosts the Secure Family Podcast and interviews David Lashley, a courthouse law enforcement professional and Director of Courthouse Security with 25+ years protecting judges, juries, and victims.    David explains how "safe places" like courthouses, restaurants, churches, and schools can become dangerous when people grow...

Andy marks the 375th episode of the Secure Family Podcast by breaking down the wave of fake DMV and toll road scam texts that surged. He explains how the scam uses urgent messages about unpaid tolls, traffic fines, or license suspension to trigger panic. He fully breaks down the scam and then shares how you can protect yourself. Plus he gives people direction on what to do if a loved one has falle...

Travelcraft: Practical Family Travel Safety Tips with Boris Milinkovich   Host Andy Murphy welcomes returning guest Boris Milinkovich, founder of True North Tradecraft. Together they discuss how families can be safe and still have fun while traveling. They also discuss Boris' new bookTravelcraft: The Art of Safe and Secure Travel.   For more from Boris and True North Tradecraft: http://truenorthtr...

Safety Awareness: Behavior over stereotypes   On this episode of The Secure Family Podcast host Andy Murphy argues that family safety comes from calm awareness, not fear. Andy discusses criminogenic thinking (minimizing harm, entitlement, blaming others), how different crimes reflect different skills and motives, and the role of family influence in normalizing illegitimate problem-solving. He reco...

On this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy Murphy sits down with former FBI undercover operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill for a fascinating conversation about how modern scams really work. Eric explains why today's cybercriminals don't think like hackers—they think like spies, using deception, pressure, impersonation, and psychology to target everyday people.   Andy and E...

Why do so many people say, "He came out of nowhere" after a crime happens? The truth is, most threats don't appear out of thin air, they were there the whole time. We just didn't see them.  In this episode, Andy breaks down practical situational awareness skills that can help you stay safer in public, make better decisions faster, and avoid becoming an easy target. You'll learn why watching only t...

Andy sits down with Joe Scalone of Yubico to break down why passwords are no longer enough to keep your family safe online and what's replacing them. Joe explains how passkeys and physical security keys are changing the future of cybersecurity, why hackers are moving faster than ever (thanks to AI), and what that means for everyday families.  The conversation also dives into parenting in a digital...

Home Security on a Budget: Practical, Low-Cost Upgrades for Families   In this episode, Andy shares inexpensive, practical ways to improve home security amid rising costs. He points out that safety is a personal responsibility and that effective security is often low-tech. The tips he shares can be for families who rent or own their homes as many ideas don't require permanent installation. Take co...

CSM Bart Womack on Surviving Betrayal and Practicing Proactive Situational Awareness   Host Andy speaks with retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack about his book, "Embedded Enemy," recounting the March 2003 Camp Pennsylvania insider attack in Kuwait.   Womack describes the chaos of responding in darkness with limited ammo and visibility, coordinating security, casualty collection, e...

How Your Data Is Collected, Sold, and Used—and What You Can Do About It   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy explains how a vast personal data economy collects, combines, and sells information about people - fueling targeted marketing and enabling scams, stalking, and harassment.   He cites examples and reporting on government agencies purchasing access to location data and the exp...

The Waffle House Index and Other Ways to Know You're In Trouble   In this episode, Andy talks with preparedness expert Sam Amyett of MAD Gear, who emphasizes true preparedness as making realistic plans rather than simply collecting gear.   They discuss balancing preparedness with anxiety through calm family leadership, normalizing drills, and using confident language. This way when things go wrong...

No Bars, No Fees, No Problem: Understanding Meshtastic   Andy from The Secure Family Podcast sits down with Sam Amyett from MAD Gear for an unfiltered bonus conversation about one of the nerdiest, coolest, and occasionally most frustrating communication tools around: Meshtastic. This isn't a polished tutorial. It's two guys who love radios, preparedness, and experimenting with gear talking honestl...

Roblox and Online Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know   Andy Murphy of The Secure Family Podcast discusses Roblox as a popular, user-generated gaming universe that offers creativity and learning but carries serious online safety risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and documented patterns of grooming and exploitation.   He also raises concerns about age verification methods (facial...

Privacy, AI, and Surveillance with Matt Sailor   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy Murphy chats with Matt Sailor, founder and CEO of IC Realtime, about privacy realities in modern home surveillance.   They discuss a key misconception: with many DIY Wi‑Fi cameras, footage and usage data are processed offsite, meaning consumers may not truly control their data. The conversation...

AI Scams: Protecting Your Family   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy discusses how artificial intelligence is being used by scammers to target unsuspecting individuals and families. The episode details a recent scam in which AI-generated images were used to trick a couple into believing their lost dog needed emergency surgery.   Andy explains the advanced techniques being used, su...

Navigating Tough Conversations   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy discusses the vital role of parents in safeguarding their families and emphasizes the importance of having open, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations with children. Special guest Jeff Hittner, founder of Ambitious Dads, shares his insights from over 25 years of coaching leaders and fathers.   Jeff discusses...

In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy focuses on empowering parents with practical advice for parking lots. He covers the importance of parking lot awareness, identifying habitual and transitional spaces, practical tips for reducing distractions, and strategies for safe vehicle entry and exit.   Andy also discusses how to make a car less attractive for a criminal, information you need...

"Prepare for a Disaster, and You'll Never Experience One." - Disaster Patrick   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy is joined by Disaster Patrick, an emergency preparedness expert, to discuss family disaster preparedness. They talk about the importance of involving all family members in preparedness, the innovative projects Patrick is working on, such as building the first FEMA...

Parenting in 2026: Security, Technology, and Resilience   In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy Murphy empowers parents to protect their families through security tips and thoughtful parenting strategies for the year 2026. He emphasizes the importance of digital life management, emotional resilience, and healthy boundaries.   He explores three main areas: technology use, building...

Home Security Tips with Tom Kubiniec   In this episode Andy chats with guest Tom Kubiniec, CEO of SecureIT Tactical. Together they discuss practical home security measures beyond basic alarm systems and cameras.   They explore the importance of lighting, secure locks, and proper gun storage. Tom shares his journey from a heavy metal guitarist to a leading authority in small arms storage, stressing...